I read that this is becoming a trend among new schools nowadays... the administration of such schools believe that homework do more harm than good to school children... that is why the no homework policy is being implemented...
Didn't we as youngsters wish that the teachers never gave us homework so that we can have more time to play, watch tv, hang out with friends, etc... now this policy is like a dream come true...
But now as a parent, would be parent, or an adult... Would you enroll your child to a school with a NO HOMEWORK POLICY?...
[question posted by aseretdd]
responses and comments:
If I could help it, I wouldn't send my kids to one. Being sort of fresh out of school I know how important homework it. It is the extra practice needed to truly understand a subject. It helps kids remember what they learned from school they day. I think homework helps more than it hurts. Learning is a continuous process that shouldnt happen during set hours a day. [santau]
Well not only that it is also a preparation for kids who go on to college, they will be able to not say I never had homework and to work out of class so why should I now? And like others have said here, I think having a no homework policy is not a good thing... I homeschool and what my kids don't get done during the day is 'homework'.. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
NO !!. I would not. I still think that Homework should be an integral part of education. Homework in Mathematics is essential for doing practical exercises. Homework for English includes all the reading material needed. Need I go on. I am now 77 and had a lot of experience as a teacher in the three tiers of education. Who is going to write your essays at University for you ? [CAMILLERI]
I was not allowed by my parents to do any homework at home and I didn't flunk college. Instead I went on to become a college teacher. I don't think it is the quantity of work the youngsters do but the quality that counts. Of course, where I live they now tell the teachers not to point out mistakes in the student work because it might hurt the children's feelings. What good is homework if it is not even going to b e properly evaluated? I do agree with you in principle, of course, just not in practice. I fully believe that work should be assigned, but having also taught at just about all grade levels, I have seen plenty of students, who like me, hadn't a prayer of a chance to do any school work outside of school time. [drannhh]
I think that a no homework policy is necessarily a good thing, it teaches kids to study on their own and budget their time.... Their is no way that esp. in high school that kids can get everything done in an hour...I think homework is not a bad thing. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
Well if all kids are responsible and if they all love studying... then a no homework policy is a good thing... but the reality is... not all kids are interested to study nor are they responsible enough... maybe if there could be a compromise as to the number of homework that teachers could give thier students... then that would be a lot better... [aseretdd]
Hello aseretdd, Students here are burden with homework too. I am glad to know if the school here has the same policy. I will definitely enroll my boy to a school with 'No Homework Policy' as I have many plans for him *laughs* I don't want him to spend too much time doing his homework. He needs to learn more and as much as he can about life. [gr8life]
All countries need to overhaul thier education system...since some are still practicing obsolete strategies... while others are using the spoon feeding system... but we do not know how and when they will do it... [aseretdd]
My school assigned homework when I was a little nipper, but my mum did not allow the school books to be brought into the house. She said my homework was the work she assigned me to do at home and that all my school work was to be done at school. Of course the teachers did not believe this, but eventually it would come around to "discuss" this with mum who would brew them the nastiest cup of coffee imaginable and then proceed to most graciously inform them that if they knew what was good for them they would not interfere with her daughter's home life, in return for which she would not meddle in the school's affairs. So I did my homework on the school bus coming and going and during lunch break, and of course, in what they used to call "study hall" catch as catch could. Thus my perspective on homework is that before assigning it, school officials should consider whether the students have a place at home to sit and do it and time allocated and the support of their families. So as a former teacher, I have really mixed feelings on this. [drannhh]
Your mother must have been a very tough woman... wow... the way she handled those teachers must have been something they will never forget in their entire life... When i was still a rookie teacher... i gave tons of homework... but then mellowed down as i realized that some parents are not really that cooperative in their children's education... so my homework became like homework to be submitted after two weeks or even two months... that way... i gave the kids a lot of time to concentrate more on subjects that demanded too much of their time... and i think they love me because of that... [aseretdd]
My son goes to a school with a semi no homework policy. The kids go to school from 8am until 3pm (even the 6 years olds) so they believe the only time a child should get homework is if they haven't finished their work at school. Being a single working Mom I am quite happy with their policy, it means I get to spend a bit of time with my little guy in the afternoon. Usually after getting home at about 4pm he is so tired anyway that homeowrk would be a killer. [a1intnet]
I agree with the NO HOMEWORK POLICY... only if the child is in pre school... then the amount of homework should gradually increase as the child progresses from grade school to highschool... Giving school kids in highschool homework is somewhat like a preparation for them when they enter University... where some professors... are like slave drivers in giving tons and tons of homework just so the students will pass their subject... [aseretdd]
yes i would enrol my son into a no homework school.i think especially children with dissabilities should not get too much homework at home,i usually have to help my son and some of the homework that is sent home he does not understand,so the question is why does he not understand.i feel that he should have been taught at school and things that he does not understand,explained to him better,because if he needs help the teacher should have been able to pick up that he is struggling in a particular subject and be given extra help.so if the homework that is sent home with children who do not understand what it is all about,unfortunately gets done by the parent and therefore it really is not benefitting the child at all as the still will struggle with what they do not understand.so i think it should remain at school.cheers sue [suehan1]
Homework for kids with disabilities is a different thing... i for one agree with you... since they are not capable of doing a lot of things and for sure studying in a University is not an option... then homework is not at all necessary for them... [aseretdd]
I have mixed feelings about this. I think kids need homework, though not to where they are burdened with every single subject 5 nights a week. That's just too much pressure to put on kids. Instead cut it down to say 1- 2 subjects every night so that they can actually find time to get it done and still have some time left over in the day to be a kid. I went to what is called an alternative school when I was in high school. As I turned in my homework once a week I could focus better on getting it all done. I found this to be a far more enjoyable experience over traditional schooling and I actually looked forward to it! And here I hated school before this! LOL [sacmom]
The scholl that you attended must have implemented a way for students not to be burdened with too much homework... and i think turning it in once a week is a good i idea... in this case homework will be viewed as a thing to be completed minus the pressure... I also agree that no homework for pre school kids since they need more time to be kids and to play... but upon getting nearer and neared to University life... then homework is a must since that is a form of training on what is to come ahead as a college student... [aseretdd]
i went to a school which gives a lot of homework almost everyday, i use to hate those actually but no choice since i need to do those to pass my subjects. i learned with those anyway, now that i finish schooling i realize how valuable those things in a student life. i don't think homework should be removed in a particular subjects, its important, a student needs to do those works so as to help him/her prepare for the next day. [djmarion]
Some student can definitely take any amount of homework give to them by their teachers even without any help from their parents... but sad to say that some students cannot cope even with the support of their parents... This is just proof that we are all different in many aspect and that education should cater to these differences... but i also agree with you that homework should not be removed... but i believe that they should be limited... so that all students can cope... [aseretdd]
Okay, now this is unfair. I've graduated from high school 11 years ago and while I was in school, I have often wished there were no such things as homework. And now there is going to be such rule??? Ughh! Eventhough I've hated homework, I feel that it is an important aspect of a child's life. For one, it teaches responsibility and two, it will keep them on their toes when it comes to academics. The standards are getting lowered and lowered these days. It's no wonder, most of the kids nowadays are out of control. They are making it easier and easier for kids to get away with things. In a world with no technologies like iPods and internets, kids are now lacking responsibilites. They do not have to worry about bills or putting food on the table, at least chores and homework will keep them grounded, but now it's being taken away? I think it is quit absurd. I do not favor this policy at all. [lady0fdarkness]
The No Homework Policy is not being done in all schools... but is started by those so called non traditional schools... well i know how you feel... i also find kids in this school as unruly or that they lack a sense of responsibility... i agree with limiting the number of homework given to kids or no homework for pre school students... but to take it away altogether is a no no for me... [aseretdd]
In my opinion, homework should not be erased in education system but the way of giving homework should be revised. I have 2 sisters who are still in primary school. They do have homework almost everyday, they are asked to answer a questionnaire of broad topic which has not been discuss. And so I said why should teachers give this kind of homework, it will just make the children bored and hate to do their homework as they don't know how to answer it. But I can also say that nowadays in some cases it is true that homework do a little harm than good to student itself. Why, with the advent of technology, some of the student does not study anymore and just use internet to find answer with their homework, and sometime too, other parents are the one who are answering their child's homework, it is because the children cannot finish it in just one day with a lot of homework given. They are not able to learn just by themselves. So if I am to be asked, homework should not be erased in the system but the way of giving homework should be given attention. [honeylore23]
There should be a revolution on how and what homework is to be given to students... when i was still teaching... i remember attending a lot of seminar on classroom management and the art of questioning... but i don't remember any seminar teaching us on how to give homework... well, this is one aspect that educators should work on... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Im not sure, I dont think a little bit of homework is so bad, because I enjoy sitting and doing a bit of homework with my boys, but when it gets to the point that it feels like a chore rather than nice then I get fed up, so I would say that I would enrol them in a school with a no homework policy if there was a choice, but other than that I would be happy if they just cut the amount they send home. [gemini_rose]
I agree with you that a little bit of homework will work... especially if parents are very much involve with their child's learning... the administration of the school should always consider the fact that too much homework is not only taxing to the students... but to the parents as well... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Homework is an integral part of any school experience from elementary to college. None of us like doing it but for me it helps me retain information and makes me better in the class. Same goes with kids..they have a short memory and attention span as it is. Without homework how are they to remember what they have studied and how are they to take a test. Or are they going to do away with tests too taking every single challenge out of school..I would not and could not have my child in a school without homework...in that event I would really have to look hard at homeschool. [skinnychick]
Not all school agree with the so called no homework policy since... they still believe like you that homework is an integral part of learning... but i suggest that the kind and number of homework given to student should be looked into... since i believe some teachers give them just for the sake of giving kids more things to do... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Lands but I'm thankful that my 15 year old grand daughter doesn't see this discussion. She'd want to be enrolled in that school. No I think students need homework. Maybe not as much as what I see my grand daughter having to do at night and on weekends, but to some extent they do need the homework. My beef is with all the books they expect them to cart around all day and back and forth to school. My grand daughter carries a big bag plus a backpack, with her books daily. She has curvature of the spine and its playing havoc on her. Why can't they think of a better way to send homework home with the students, without them having to lug these books around. Heck and I thought it was bad when I had to carry mine around a million or so years ago. Homework yes indeed, alot of books to carry, no, find another way. [PamE53]
I had the same experience when i was in grade school... i had to take to school then back home more than 10 school book and notebook... it was really a pain... and they ask why a lot of people have spine problems nowadays... i agree with you that there should always be homework... but i think they should be lessen so as not to stress students and parents alike... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I would definitely have to give that one a lot of thought. I do agree that sometimes the homework can get out of hand and just end up stressing the kids out, but at the same time, 1/2 hours homework a day doesn't seem unreasonable. I think that it teaches the kids to establish routine. Do your homework right away when you get home and then you're free to do what you want. Besides, a little bit of homework might keep some kids at home instead of out causing trouble. [emmasmomma]
A lot of teacher think that homework will do more good for the students... but if all teachers give homework everyday... then that can do more harm than good since the bulk of homework can cause stress to students and their parents alike... i am not for the no homework policy... but i am for the quality and limitation of homework given to students... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
As a matter of fact, my daughter was in a school that started a no homework policy. She was in year 7 at the time. This is the last year of primary school in south australia. In a sense, I can see their point in not having any homework. My daughter was actively involved in swimming training, piano lessons & horse riding lessons. Not having to deal with homework was a bonus. On the other hand, I was concerned because she was going into high school the following year, I I thought she wasn't going to be used to the routine of getting homework done. I didn't make a fuss at the school like some parents did, but I was never truly happy with the no homework idea. I guess the jury is still out for me. My daughter is in year 10 now & gets a reasonable amount of hw. [jennybianca]
Oh my... 2 hours of homework is too much for an athlete... i think school officials should also consider is a child is active in sports or other extra curricular activities... i think 1 hour or homework is enough for all students... [aseretdd]
A school with no homework policy has its pros and cons. Pros include students are happier and they are able to absorb more information. Cons include students and teachers may not know their progress of studies. Because without homework, students may not have the necessary skill such as time management. Due to issuing numerous homeworks at one shot, students are able to manage their time and hand-in their homework punctually, this skill is essential to their development when entering into the industry. I would like to say is there should be a balance between homework time and playtime. [titaniumsoul]
Yes, i agree with your last sentence... there should indeed be a balance between homework time and playtime... so i think totally removing homework is unnecessary... because their purpose is to help develop the skill of students... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Homework doing harm is a load of baloney! I always had homework, which I was made to do before dinner every night and it made no difference. I did my homework when told and then had the rest of the evening after dinner to play or whatever. My children go to a school that LOVES to give homework, but they don't give homework on Fridays, which I think is ok, but if they start this whole no homework joke, I'll be looking for a different school that still believes in educating my children properly. Hmmm...and this gets me to thinking...is this just a ploy created by teachers so that they have even less work to do grading homework? It's not like they actually work hard nowadays anyways with all the holidays and all summer off. [candygurl24]
Yes, homework is a good way to train us to be more organized and to keep up with our studies... but i don't think teachers are to be blamed for the no homework policy... since the school administrators are the one who make the rules... teachers just follow them... as a teacher before... i was at once guilty of bombarding my students with lots of homework... but i mellowed down after a few years... So... teachers love giving homework eventhough it is another set of papers to grade... [aseretdd]
A lot of school time is wasted at most schools and I think they could be a bit more organized and then it would be possible for the students to get almost all of their work done during class time. It is good for students to work independently, but there is no overwhelming reason why the work must be done at home. Yes, new teachers do tend to overwork themselves as well as their charges. [drannhh]
There is indeed no reason to overwhelm students with homework... there are school i know that are quite organized... most of them are Catholic Schools... and every minute is dedicated to the education of students... and homework are monitored so as not to burden or stress them... there should always be a balance between home and school... But new schools fail to see the importance that a little homework can give to students since they want to attract more with their so called PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM... [aseretdd]
My son's school followed this policy earlier and I thought it was good at first. But I soon realized that it wasn't. After the parents gave them feedback, they started with homework only over the weekends...which was fine....but the rest of the days they weren't doing much work and the had to carry all the books home over the weekend....which was very heavy. Now, they have the perfect balance. Each day of the week is assigned one subject for homework...and the project work (where they need to do lots more work) are assigned over the weekend. Now the kids have got used to a regular routine and can work on all subjects throughout the week and can clarify their doubts the same week without having to wait till exam time. This works best for us...not too much burden but systematically working. And the kids get time for all their fun activities too. [SViswan]
Thanks for the BR! I'm sure to be recommending my son's school to all and sundry (though they do have a policy of not more than 2 divisions per class...and not more than 20 kids in each)! [SViswan]
This makes no sense. Children need homework to enforce what they have learned at school. Without any homework, they will have little to no work ethic for school, will have bad study habits, and will most likely forget some of the things that they learn in school. That is why homework even exists, to make and allow children to learn and keep on remembering what they learn and achieve in school. I would definitely not send my children to a school with a no homework policy. This is just absurd. They would probably come home from school and be lazy and do nothing and without homework, I think students will do worse in school. [almajoes]
Well, i totally agree with you in all sense... homework is indeed a way to reinforce what students learn in school... but sometimes... teachers use it to unintentionally torment students... so there should always be a sense of control or limitation... because eventhough homework is good... too much of it can stress even the most intelligent... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I don't see a harm in some homework. Of course, there are some cases that go overboard. I don't think that over an hour and half is good, that's too much. But 30 minutes to an hour of homework is ok as long as it is not every single day. I can remember my kids having a couple of hours of homework and it was just miserable trying to make sure all the homework was done. This gets to the parents as well as the children! [kareng]
I agree with you... some parents who supervise their kids when doing homework can also feel the stress when there is too much to be done... but it is a lot more stressful if kids work on their homework alone... so i agree that there should be a limit to the number of homework given to students... 20 minutes everyday won't hurt... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Tch! This is old news. Doesn't change the fact I'm still disgusted at the whole thing. You think this is bad, there are school systems with bogus class schematics and school cirriculums with poor standards of education (and propaganda). There are high schools where students can get away with zero work and zero learning for about half the day by using "filler" blocks (teacher's aid, study hall, library, comp lab). Some districts and teachers are implementing no homework like you've discussed. Of course I can't forget to mention the "adjustment" of certain courses for "current times"/"no offending"(history most prominently, science and literature as well). There are even parents and schools doing the most backwards things when it comes to education: using green/purple ink instead of red to not hurt any feelings, significantly reducing 'red' marks to encourage students, rigging test scores with inflated reports. In the same light there are faculty and parents either with the belief or the desire that school is simply a babysitting locale. Would I enroll my child at a school with a no homework policy. Generally I'd say no, but I'd want to look at the entire school itself. I'd also want to see results before making any final judgment. Still, I have reservations. Homework helps review material taught in class. Or that's how its supposed to work; plenty of teachers don't teach in class and instead rely on the child to read the material and do the homework. In any case, I have qualms with the whole situation. Also note, stateside, the spending for public K-12 education is $500 billion. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/08s0208.xls http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/08s0208.pdf All that money for a product that doesn't compare worldwide and continues to degrade over time. [theprogamer]
Well, i got the chance to teach in this type of school that follow the so called progressive education... i only lasted for 6 months because i cannot take their so called progressive policies... i felt that students are not learning to their fullest capacity... and there was no discipline whatsoever... most of the thing you mentioned here like the filler blocks and bogus schematics and poor standard of education were actually being followed... So i resigned since i did not want to take part in their scheme of robbing the students the correct learning... and the parents of their hard earned money... thanks for sharing... [aseretdd]
I find the concept of telling a bunch of school teachers that they cannot assign homework pathetically outlandish. I'm sorry, but I feel that a bit of homework never killed any student and can go a long way in having a student learn the content through reinforcement. There is no way that a teacher can cover all that needs to be covered in the short class periods of today (my son's school has 8 periods a day...so you can imagine how short they are!). When one takes out lunch time and time to walk between classes, and homeroom time, there is actually little instructional time left! Geeze, no wonder the kids of today seem much weaker academically than we were at the same age. No wonder too, that I receive them at the college level so terribly spoiled and ill-prepared for the rigors of college academics. [crazynurse]
Well, these are the kind of students we get when schools start implementing policies that are somewhat like spoon feeding... academically weak and happy go lucky students... When i was still a teacher... i only had 50 minutes instruction time... so one can only imagine what can be accomplished at that very short period... but then... i still took into consideration the fact that a lot of teachers gave homework... so i gave mine only once a week... or homework that is to be submitted after two or three weeks... no pressure but still a lot of learning... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
As long as they are getting what they need in learning at school I have never understood why send home work home. If the kids are learning in the school which is what they are supposed to be doing than the knowledge should stay with them even after they leave the classroom. I work at a after school program and one of the things this does is help children with their school work so that they don't have to bring any home. The parents like this program. It is a good one and accomplishes the subject of kids having to bring home work home. [sunshinelady]
Wow... that is indeed a great program... it is nice that teachers are not burdened with additional load of an after school program... since they have paperwork to do... your system is perfect for parents who are both working... thank you very much for sharing this... [aseretdd]
My daughter will go to school this summer. I won't choose a school without homework for her. Although heavy homework is bad to kids, no homework is also bad. The kids are too young to make themselve study regularlly. They need some guide and deciplines. [yannycui]
I don't think your daughter should be given a lot of homework since she is still too young and going to school should be made more fun... homework is good for learning... but too much of it can put stress not only to the child but also to the parents... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]